AFCON 2025
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign midfielder Andrey Santos, according to multiple reports. The deal is worth £50 million in total, made up of a £48m guaranteed fee and £2m in add-ons, with Chelsea also retaining a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
Santos, 22, has already agreed personal terms with United and has been given permission by Chelsea to undergo a medical. The move comes after United missed out on top target Mateus Fernandes, who instead joined Tottenham from West Ham for £85m.
The Brazilian midfielder joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2022 and has made 47 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering five assists. He impressed on loan at Strasbourg last season, contributing 12 goals and five assists in 45 games, a spell that earned him his first Brazil call-up.
Despite that form, Santos missed out on Brazil’s World Cup squad after limited game time under Chelsea’s coaching setup this past season. That lack of minutes reportedly played a part in his decision to push for a move away from Stamford Bridge in search of regular football.
Santos becomes United’s second midfield signing of the summer, following the club’s agreement with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson. Manager Michael Carrick has been keen to rebuild his midfield following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury setback.
United had been chasing other midfield targets, including Aurelien Tchouameni and Alex Scott, before turning to Santos as a more attainable option. Chelsea, who signed Santos as their first purchase under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership, were said to be negotiating from a position of strength after selling other academy products for higher fees this summer.
With the Santos deal now agreed, attention turns to United’s remaining summer targets, including a left-wing addition, with Crysencio Summerville still their preferred option amid competition from Tottenham and Liverpool.
